A randomized trial of combination therapy with intralesional interferon-alpha-2b and podophyllin versus podophyllin alone for the therapy of anogenital warts

Article Abstract:

Condylomata acuminata (anogenital warts) are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Anogenital warts are the among the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United States. HPV infection has a high rate of recurrence after standard therapy involving drugs (podophyllin), cryotherapy or laser treatment. Previous studies with interferon reported a 36 to 62 percent (depending on dose and length of treatment) success rate in treating anogenital warts. To evaluate the effectiveness of interferon in the treatment of HPV, combinations of interferon and podophyllin were administered to 97 patients with anogenital warts. Interferon was injected into the lesions and podophyllin was administered topically to the warts once a week for three weeks. Podophyllin caused warts to disappear in 42 percent of the treated patients. The combined treatment of interferon and podophyllin caused warts to disappear in 65 percent of the treated patients. The best rates of clearance (disappearance of warts) were found among patients whose warts were less than 12 months old, and in patients without HIV infection. The combined drug therapy was more successful in removing warts in women (50 percent) than in men (15 percent). Recurrence of warts after therapy (445 days later) was more common in men (79 percent ) than in women (48 percent). It is concluded that the favorable success rate of treating anogenital warts with interferon combination therapy provides a starting point for the development of more successful combination therapies to treat anogenital warts. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Usage, Condyloma acuminatum, Genital warts, Drug therapy, Combination, Combination drug therapy

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Favorable response of early stage B CLL patients to treatment with IFN-alpha 2

Article Abstract:

Hairy cell leukemia, so called because of the hairy appearance of these cells, is effectively treated by the use of interferon. Researchers are now trying to determine if a related leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, will also respond to similar treatment. A group of patients who had yet to undergo treatment, all under 60 years of age and all in the early stages of the disease, were treated with interferon alpha 2b (IFN-alpha). As with treatment of hairy cell disease, side effects were minor at the low level of IFN alpha used in this study. All patients responded with at least some reduction of white blood cells in their peripheral circulation but despite an average reduction of white blood cells by approximately half, the disease was not eradicated. One patient continued to have an increasing number of lymphocytes, although the number decreased in all others. Interferon alpha 2b's long-term effect on chronic lymphocytic leukemia is unclear.

Leukocytes, White blood cells, Chronic lymphocytic leukemia

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Status of local cellular immunity in interferon-responsive and -nonresponsive human papillomavirus-associated lesions

Article Abstract:

Patients with anogenital warts may show variable recovery rates both spontaneously and with immune-system stimulating treatment because of differences in immune system response. Researchers evaluated immune system response to human papilloma virus, which causes genital and anal warts, in tissue samples taken before and after interferon treatment. Compared with responders to treatment, nonresponders tended to have fewer cells displaying immune-system triggering antigens, fewer of the white blood cells involved in immune-system reactions, and lower concentrations of the substances that mediate inflammatory reactions.

Papillomavirus infections, Immune response

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